Various Degrees Of Atrophy Research Articles

Pattern of Testicular Atrophy in Bilateral Orchidectomy Specimens from Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer

Introduction: One of the palliative treatment modalities for advanced prostate cancer (Pca) is bilateral Orchidectomy. Histopathological analysis of submitted Orchidectomy specimens may display normal to various grades of testicular atrophy. Advancing age may be related to testicular atrophy as well as pre-treatment with luteinizing hormone releasing hormone agonist [LHRH(a)], drugs and chronic illnesses. We retrospectively examined results of Orchidectomy specimens submitted for histopathological analysis. Materials and Methods: Bilateral orchidectomy specimen results of twenty seven (27) patients diagnosed with Pca were retrospectively studied. Their clinical information and ancillary laboratory results were retrieved. Of the 27 patients, two (7.4%) patients had no prior treatments for Pca, while twenty patients (74.1%) and five patients (18.5%) had prior exposure to anti-androgens and LHRH(a) respectively. In the histo-analysis, the specimens were graded from normal to various degrees of atrophy. Data collated were analyzed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. Results: The mean age of all patients was 68.52±7.266 years, ranging from 51-87 years. Mean PSA was 59.811+38.84ng/ml, while mean Gleason score was 8.30+8.69. On the whole, 3 patients (11.1%) had normal testes, 16 patients (59.3%) and 8 patients (29.6%) respectively had mild and moderate grades of testicular atrophy. Age correlated positively with the grades of atrophy. Conclusion: Degree of testicular atrophy is widely noted to correlate with age and depends less on pre-treatment in the setting of advanced prostate cancer.

Autopsy and Histologic Findings of Patients with New Coronavirus Pneumonia: The Pathologic Associations with Hypoxemia.

BackgroundCoronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. To further reveal the pathologic associations between coronavirus and hypoxemia, we report the findings of 4 complete systematic autopsies of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-positive individuals who died of multiple organ failure caused by severe hypoxemia.Material/MethodsWe examined the donated corpses of 4 deceased patients who had been diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. A complete post-mortem examination was carried out on each corpse, and multiple organs were macroscopically examined.ResultsThe 4 corpses were 2 males and 2 females, with an average age of 69 years. Bilateral lungs showed various degrees of atrophy and consolidation, with diffusely tough and solid texture in the sections. A thromboembolism was found in the main pulmonary artery extending into the atrium in 1 corpse, and significant atherosclerotic plaques tagged in the inner wall of the aortic arch were found in 2 corpses. Two corpses were found to have slightly atrophied bilateral renal parenchyma. Atrophic changes in the spleen were found in 2 corpses. Notably, there were significantly expanded alveolar septa and prominent fibroblastic proliferation.ConclusionsThe laboratory data of these corpses showed a progressive decrease in blood oxygen saturation, followed by refractory and irreversible hypoxemia. Clinical and laboratory information and autopsy and histologic presentations of multiple organs showed insufficient air exchange due to abnormalities in the respiratory system, and reduced erythropoiesis in bone marrow may play a role.

ПРОФИЛАКТИКА ТОКСИКО-АЛЛЕРГИЧЕСКИХ РЕАКЦИЙ ПРИ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИИ СЛОЖНОЧЕЛЮСТНЫХ ПРОТЕЗОВ И АППАРАТОВ

Subject. Today, nanoparticles of chemical elements that make up the body are of particular interest. Such nanomaterials usually do not cause allergic reactions, they can potentially be broken down and removed from it, and, for example, drugs can be placed in the pores of these materials. At the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry of V.G. N.N. Burdenko together with Voronezh State University developed a polymer modified with nanosized silver particles, which was successfully tested on patients in the manufacture of removable plate prostheses. However, there is no data on the effect of this polymer in patients with complex jaw pathology in combination with somatic pathology, in which visible changes occur in the oral cavity. 
 Goal ― to consider the problem of prevention of toxic-allergic reactions when using complex-jaw prostheses and devices. To study the state of the oral microbiocenosis and the cytological characteristics of the mucous membrane in patients with apparatus bases made of a polymer modified with nanoscale silver. Materials and methods. 80 people were examined and 60 patients were treated for complete absence of teeth with various degrees of atrophy according to A.I.Doynikov (1967) I, II, III, IV, V, with a uniform quantitative distribution in groups. 
 Methodology. 80 people were examined and 60 patients were treated for complete absence of teeth with various degrees of atrophy according to A.I.Doynikov (1967) I, II, III, IV, V, with a uniform quantitative distribution in groups. 
 Results. The dynamics of the inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane of the prosthetic bed under the bases of removable jaw devices made by the known method and with bases from modified materials was studied. A complex of personalized prevention of complications associated with the action of basic polymers has been developed. 
 Conclusion. Obtained by analyzing the results of the study, it was possible to create, on the basis of the use of modified acrylic polymer as the material of the bases of removable prostheses and devices, a program for individual prevention of the inflammatory complications induced by them from the mucosa of the prosthetic bed, the efficiency level of which is at least 60 %. This predisposes to recommendations for the further implementation of the modified nanosilver acrylic polymer in practical dentistry.

Differential activation of the calpain system involved in individualized adaptation of different fast-twitch muscles in hibernating Daurian ground squirrels.

We examined the lateral gastrocnemius (LG), plantaris (PL), and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles to determine whether differential activation of the calpain system is related to the degree of atrophy in these fast-twitch skeletal muscles during hibernation in Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus). Results from morphological indices showed various degrees of atrophy in the order LG > PL > EDL. Furthermore, all three muscles underwent fast-to-slow fiber-type conversion in hibernation. In regard to the calpain system in the LG muscle, cytosolic Ca2+ increased significantly in hibernation, followed by recovery in posthibernation. Furthermore, calpastatin expression significantly decreased, and calpain 1 and 2 expression significantly increased, which may be responsible for the increased degradation of desmin during hibernation compared with that during summer activity. In the EDL muscle, Ca2+ overload was observed during interbout arousal, and calpastatin showed an increase during hibernation and interbout arousal, which could explain the increased levels of troponin T during both periods compared with levels during summer activity. These findings suggest that cytosolic Ca2+ overload and subsequent calpain 1 and 2 activation may be an important mechanism of LG muscle atrophy during hibernation. Cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis and high expression of calpain inhibitor calpastatin during hibernation may also be an important mechanism for the EDL muscle to maintain muscle mass. Thus, the differential activation of the calpain system and selective degradation of downstream substrates may be involved in muscle atrophy of different fast-twitch muscles during hibernation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that the extent of both muscle atrophy and calpain system activation differed in fast-twitch lateral gastrocnemius (LG), plantaris (PL), and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) skeletal muscles in hibernating Daurian ground squirrels, but similar hierarchies in the order of LG > PL > EDL. The differential activation of the calpain system and selective degradation of downstream substrates may be involved in muscle atrophy in different fast-twitch muscles during hibernation.

Anti-type 2 transglutaminase antibodies as modulators of type 2 transglutaminase functions: a possible pathological role in celiac disease.

Auto-antibodies to the ubiquitous enzyme type-2 transglutaminase (TG2) are a specific hallmark of celiac disease (CD), a widely diffused, multi-factorial disease, affecting genetically predisposed subjects. In CD an inflammatory response, at the intestinal level, is triggered by diet consumption of gluten-containing cereals. Intestinal mucosa displays various degrees of atrophy and hyperplasia, with consequent global intestinal dysfunction and other relevant extra-intestinal symptoms. Through deamidation of specific glutamines of gluten-derived gliadin peptides, TG2 strongly enhances gliadin immunogenicity. In addition, TG2 cross-linking activity may generate complexes between TG2 itself and gliadin peptides, and these complexes seem to cause the auto-immune response by means of an apten-carrier-like mechanism of antigen presentation. Anti-TG2 antibodies can be early detected in the intestinal mucosa of celiac patients and are also abundantly present into the serum, thus potentially reaching other organs and tissues by blood circulation. Recently, the possible pathogenetic role of auto-antibodies to TG2 in CD has been investigated. Here, we report an overview about the genesis of these antibodies, their specificity, their modulating ability toward TG2 enzymatic or non-enzymatic activities and their biological effects exerted by interacting with extracellular TG2 or with cell-surface TG2. We also discuss the auto-immune response occurring in CD against other TG members (i.e. type 3 and type 6) and analyze the occurrence of anti-TG2 antibodies in other auto-immune CD-related diseases. Data now available let us to suppose that, even if antibodies to TG2 do not represent the triggering molecules in CD, they could be important players in disease progression and manifestations.

Improved neurological outcome by intramuscular injection of human amniotic fluid derived stem cells in a muscle denervation model.

PurposeThe skeletal muscle develops various degrees of atrophy and metabolic dysfunction following nerve injury. Neurotrophic factors are essential for muscle regeneration. Human amniotic fluid derived stem cells (AFS) have the potential to secrete various neurotrophic factors necessary for nerve regeneration. In the present study, we assess the outcome of neurological function by intramuscular injection of AFS in a muscle denervation and nerve anastomosis model.Materials and MethodsSeventy two Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200–250 gm were enrolled in this study. Muscle denervation model was conducted by transverse resection of a sciatic nerve with the proximal end sutured into the gluteal muscle. The nerve anastomosis model was performed by transverse resection of the sciatic nerve followed by four stitches reconnection. These animals were allocated to three groups: control, electrical muscle stimulation, and AFS groups.ResultsNT-3 (Neurotrophin 3), BDNF (Brain derived neurotrophic factor), CNTF (Ciliary neurotrophic factor), and GDNF (Glia cell line derived neurotrophic factor) were highly expressed in AFS cells and supernatant of culture medium. Intra-muscular injection of AFS exerted significant expression of several neurotrophic factors over the distal end of nerve and denervated muscle. AFS caused high expression of Bcl-2 in denervated muscle with a reciprocal decrease of Bad and Bax. AFS preserved the muscle morphology with high expression of desmin and acetylcholine receptors. Up to two months, AFS produced significant improvement in electrophysiological study and neurological functions such as SFI (sciatic nerve function index) and Catwalk gait analysis. There was also significant preservation of the number of anterior horn cells and increased nerve myelination as well as muscle morphology.ConclusionIntramuscular injection of AFS can protect muscle apoptosis and likely does so through the secretion of various neurotrophic factors. This protection furthermore improves the nerve regeneration in a long term nerve anastomosis model.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Blepharoptosis

To better characterize an unusual blepharoptosis observed in HIV-positive patients and to evaluate histopathology. This retrospective case series evaluated patients with HIV/AIDS and blepharoptosis with reduced levator excursion. Exclusion criteria included patients with identifiable causes of ptosis (e.g., aponeurotic dehiscences, prior eyelid trauma or surgery), known myopathic/neuropathic systemic disorders, congenital ptosis, cranial neuropathies, and systemic infiltrative processes. All 10 patients had bilateral symptomatic blepharoptosis. All patients (100%) were men with a mean age at presentation of 54 years (range, 42-77 years). Mean duration of HIV infection among 7 of 10 patients was 19 years (range, 13-24 years). Mean (±SD) MRD1 was 0.7 (±0.8) OD and 0.6 (±0.8) OS. Mean (±SD) levator excursion was 12 (±2.3) OD and 13 (±1.8) OS (normal levator excursion >15 mm). No patient was taking zidovudine (AZT) at the time of presentation. Nine patients (90%) underwent large bilateral levator resections for correction of blepharoptosis. Histopathologic specimens revealed abnormal levator muscle fibers with various degrees of atrophy, fibrosis, and regeneration without inflammation. The HIV-associated blepharoptosis observed among patients in this study is most consistent with a myopathy. Levator muscle histopathologic findings are virtually identical to muscle biopsies in individuals with HIV-associated myopathy, described before the advent of AZT or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Surgical management with levator resection provides optimal correction of HIV-associated blepharoptosis.

Biomechanical Analysis of Miniplate Osteosynthesis for Fractures of the Atrophic Mandible

The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical behavior of miniplate osteosynthesis for fracture of the edentulous mandible with various degrees of atrophy by finite element (FE) analysis. Three-dimensional FE models simulating various atrophic or nonatrophic edentulous mandibles were constructed. The models were divided into 3 groups based on the height: 20 mm, 15 mm, and 10 mm. A model 30-mm high was defined as a nonatrophic mandible. Fracture in the premolar region was simulated. Single or double miniplate osteosynthesis was assumed to fix the fracture. In each case, models of fractures with and without bone contact between bone fragments were prepared. A bite force of 62.8 N was applied in the FE models as a point load on the anterior point. There were no noticeable differences in compressive stress level in the bone around screws among the single miniplate models or double miniplate models with bone contact. Single miniplate models without bone contact showed markedly greater compressive stress than that of models with bone contact. The use of double miniplates showed a great influence on von Mises stress reduction in the miniplates. Without bone contact, greater interfragmentary displacements occurred; however, interfragmentary displacements were within the limit of not causing a malunion of the fractured bone in all models. Double miniplate fixation may be a reliable method for treating fracture of the atrophic mandible from a biomechanical viewpoint.

Evaluation of regional cerebral blood flow in cerebellar variant of multiple system atrophy using FineSRT

Objectives In the present study, we compared the patterns of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) between cerebellar variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA-C) and the late-onset cortical cerebellar ataxia (LCCA) using FineSRT. Patients and methods We performed 99mTc ethylcysteinate dimer (ECD) single-photon emission computed tomography in 11 patients with MSA-C (mean age 65.7 years), 7 patients with LCCA (mean age 62.0 years), and 12 age-matched healthy controls (mean age 64.1 years). The rCBF in the region of interest (ROI) was measured by the noninvasive Patlak plot method and calculated using FineSRT, which is a fully automated the ROI technique. Results All patients with MSA-C had various degrees of atrophy in the brainstem and middle cerebellar peduncles and 4 of 11 patients showed a clear ‘hot cross bun’ sign in pontine base on T2-weighted MR images. All patients with LCCA showed the various degrees of atrophy in cerebellum without brainstem. FineSRT revealed the significantly decreased rCBF in the caudate tail, fusiform, lingual, cerebellum, midbrain, and pons in MSA-C group compared with controls. Moreover, MSA-C group showed significantly decreased rCBF in the pons compared with LCCA group. Conclusion We suggest that a widespread brain involvement is present in patients with MSA-C and the decreased rCBF in the pons may support the differential diagnosis between MSA-C and LCCA.

Immunoprofile of Kuttner Tumor (Chronic Sclerosing Sialadenitis)

In the present study, the immunoprofile of chronic sclerosing sialadenitis, also known as Kuttner tumor, was analyzed. Two cases that occurred in the submandibular gland of male patients were submitted to immunohistochemical reactions to different antibodies. Histological examinations showed a submandibular gland exhibiting various degrees of atrophy with destruction of acini, infiltration by inflammatory cells, and periductal fibrosis. Reactions to cytokeratins (CKs) showed acini and duct remnants positive to CKs 7, 8, 19, and 13. CK14 stained myoepithelial cells around preserved acini and intercalated duct, and also basal cell of excretory ducts, but was negative in proliferating and branching ducts. Smooth muscle actin (SMA) was expressed by myofibroblasts in periductal fibrosis, and an intense expression of extracellular components was also seen. Lymphocyte markers showed, besides mature follicles, a higher presence of CD45RO positive cells. Thus, the immunoprofile of Kuttner is much more in keeping with an inflammatory-induced degenerative disease than with a preneoplastic lesion.

Neuropathology of familial tauopathy

Frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17) is a hereditary progressive neurodegenerative disorder. FTDP-17 was originally defined in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1996. Since then, more than 100 families with FTDP-17 have been described throughout the world, including 18 families identified in Japan. Genetic studies have identified 40 different mutations in the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene. The clinical features of FTDP-17 are characterized by behavioral, cognitive and motor disturbances that may occur in various combinations and degrees. Neuropathologic examination shows that various degrees of atrophy may be present in the frontal and temporal lobes, basal ganglia, amygdala and hippocampus. All the brains from patients with FTDP-17 have also shown the presence of tau deposits in neurons and glial cells. Mutations in MAPT may result in the increased splicing of exon 10, leading to 4-repeat tau depositions in both neurons and glial cells. MAPT mutations outside of exon 10 show 3- and 4-repeat tau deposits, predominantly in neurons with less glial pathology. Neuronal pathology may resemble that of Alzheimer's disease or Pick's disease because of the presence of neurofibrillary tangles or Pick-like bodies, whereas glial pathology may resemble that of progressive supranuclear palsy or corticobasal degeneration because of the presence of coiled bodies, tufted astrocytes or astrocytic plaques. Correlations between genetic mutations and the heterogeneity of clinical and neuropathologic features remain unclear.

Atrophy of the abdominal wall muscles after extraperitoneal approach to the aorta.

We retrospectively assessed computed tomography (CT) scans to determine degree of anterolateral abdominal muscle atrophy in patients who underwent infrarenal aortic repair with 2 kinds of incisions for the extraperitoneal approach. CT scans obtained before surgery and final scans obtained 2 to 100 months after surgery were assessed in 12 patients with paramedian incision (PM group) and 27 patients with flank incision (F group) who could be followed up at our hospital. We considered muscle thickness before surgery on the incision side to be 100% thickness (baseline value), and we calculated, by measuring the incision side after surgery, the corrected percent thickness (CPT%), which represents percentage of remaining muscle thickness that has escaped incision-induced atrophy. CT scans obtained at the level of the third (L3) and fifth (L5) lumbar vertebrae and the center of the sacrum (S) were selected for CPT% measurement. Duration from surgery to final CT scan was 2 to 65 months (mean +/- SD, 34.33 +/- 21.38 months) in PM group and 3 to 96 months (27.85 +/- 20.74 months) in F group. In PM group, mean CPT% values of the rectus abdominis muscle were 55.83 +/- 21.65% at L3, 35.50 +/- 10.79% at L5, and 31.92 +/- 11.00% at S; these values were statistically much smaller than baseline (P <.01). Mean CPT% values of the lateral abdominal muscles were not statistically different from baseline. In F group, mean CPT% values of the rectus abdominis muscle were 82.19 +/- 23.15% at L5 and 64.41 +/- 31.34% at S; these values were statistically smaller than baseline (P <.01). Mean CPT% values of the lateral abdominal muscles were 87.59 +/- 22.30% at L3 and 84.59 +/- 26.90% at L5; these values were statistically smaller than baseline (P <.05). Paramedian incision induced severe rectus abdominis muscle atrophy. Although flank incision induced various degrees of atrophy in both muscles, some patients had no muscle atrophy. These data indicate that further anatomic investigation into the relation between flank incision and abdominal wall innervation may contribute to prevention of muscle atrophy after flank incision.

Sequelae of Secretory Otitis Media: Changes in Middle Ear Biomechanics

Gaihede M, Lildholdt T, Lunding J. Sequelae of secretory otitis media: changes in middle ear biomechanics. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1997; 117: 382-389.A new method previously introduced investigating the pressure-volume relationship of the middle ear system describes dynamic mechanical properties of the system: the variables measured are hysteresis, compliance, and Pec0 expressing the zero position of the tympanic membrane. The present study investigates the mechanical properties in 69 adolescents treated with ventilation tubes during childhood due to secretory otitis media. The tympanic membranes displayed various degrees of atrophy, sclerosis, and retraction of the pars flaccida. Atrophy was quantitatively related to decreasing hysteresis and increasing compliance, while myringosclerosis showed opposite effects. Pec0 was significantly lower for the group of former secretory otitis media than for normals (p < 0.001). This reflects a retraction pattern of the tympanic membrane, which may be explained by a low opening pressure of the eustachian tube or previous pressure load of the drum. Signs of retraction were not found by tympanometry. Treatment with ventilation tubes was associated with a dramatic increase of tympanic membrane pathology (66%) compared to untreated ears (12%), as assessed by otomi-croscopy (p < 0.001). However, these changes specific to treatment were not found in the corresponding mechanical variables of the middle ear system, as the effects of combined atrophy and myringosclerosis tend to counterbalance.

The Requirement of the Testis in Establishing the Sensitivity of the Canine Prostate to Develop Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

A long-term study on the requirement of the testis in establishing the sensitivity of the canine prostate to develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was conducted using 23 aging beagles both with and without their testes. The dogs had received long-term restoration of testosterone and estrogen through silicone implants. When young beagles (0.5 to 1 year of age) were castrated and normal serum testosterone and estrogen levels restored during aging to 5 years, only 50% of these dogs developed BPH in the absence of their testes as opposed to 100% BPH development in intact controls. In addition, two-thirds of the prostates in the treated groups were remarkably reduced in size, being smaller than any prostate observed in the intact controls. If, following castration, the steroid restoration was withheld for 4 years during aging and subsequently administered starting at 5 years of age and continuing for a 6-month period, none, of the animals developed complex BPH. Moreover, two-thirds of the prostate glands were reduced in size by more than 60% and were atrophied in spite of the maintenance of normal prostatic tissue dihydrotestosterone levels. Regardless of the time of steroid restoration to a castrate beagle, the periurethral zone of the canine prostate exhibits various degrees of atrophy indicating functional regions within the canine prostate that are sensitive to the requirements of the testes during aging. This study implicates the importance of the testis in increasing the probability and/or sensitivity for the full development of canine BPH.

Brainstem involvement in infantile spasms: a study employing brainstem evoked potentials and magnetic resonance imaging.

Ten patients with infantile spasms underwent brainstem evoked potentials and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination to evaluate brainstem involvement. Short latency somatosensory evoked potentials and auditory brainstem responses were abnormal in seven and five of the 10 patients, respectively. MRI findings were abnormal in nine of the 10 patients. Six patients demonstrated various degrees of atrophy of the brainstem. In all of these cases brainstem evoked potentials were abnormal. This study demonstrates that infantile spasms are frequently associated with brainstem dysfunction and raises the hypothesis that brain atrophy involving the brainstem might be a cause of infantile spasms. In addition, this study also documents the combination of brainstem evoked potentials and MRI examination is valuable tool in the evaluation of brainstem involvement in infantile spasms.

Biological consequences of exposing ileal mucosa to urine.

AbstractSegments of ileum are often used as conduits in connection with supravesicle diversion or sometimes for bladder augmentation. This implies that ileal mucosa will be deprived of the normal intestinal contents and instead exposed to urine. Reports on the morphological consequences of exposure to urine have been contradictory. Either normal structure or various degrees of atrophy have been reported. For this reason, an investigation was designed for systematic follow‐up of effects on the ileal mucosa in patients with continent ileal reservoirs for urinary collection (Kock pouch). These investigations showed that there were significant changes in villous height, crypt depth, and number of goblet cells starting early after construction and leading to complete atrophy in certain areas. Electron microscopy and enzyme histochemistry also showed, in the epithelial cells, that there was a reduction in the number of cell organelles and microvillous units, and also decreased metabolic activity. Reductions were also recorded in studies of net transport of both water and electrolytes across the mucosa of the ileal reservoir used for urinary collection.From the clinical point of view, the adaptive changes recorded in the investigations of ileal mucosa exposed to urine are advantageous, since the risk of metabolic disturbances due to reabsorption of urine is diminished.

Clinico-pathological changes induced in rats treated with amine-curing agent for epoxy resin, bis(4-amino-3-methylcyclohexyl)methane.

Amine-curing agent for epoxy resin, bis(4-amino-3-methyl-cyclohexyl)methane (commercial name; Laromin C) has been suspected to have induced in the workers some toxic signs such as collagen disease like scleroderma or polymyositis. Subacute toxicity of this agent was studied in rats following repeated oral administration. The agent was given orally at 5 dose levels (25 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg per one dose) for periods ranging from 10 days to 4 weeks. After the completion of administration, clinico-biochemical tests and histopathological examinations were carried out. In a few cases, skeletal muscles and choroid plexus of the brain were examined by electronmicroscopy. Clinico-biochemical tests revealed some elevation of muscle-derived components such as GOT and CPK as seen in the myopathic diseases. Histologically, various degrees of atrophy, degeneration and regeneration of muscle fibers and a numerical increase of interstitial cells were observed in the skeletal muscles. Electronmicroscopical examination of the gastrocnemius muscle revealed intrasarcoplasmic osmiophilic round-shaped inclusion bodies, sometimes with lamellar structure, which were suggestive of some lipidosis. The epithelial cells of choroid plexus in the brain ventricles represented various degrees of vacuolar changes lightmicroscopically, which were suggested to be dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum electronmicroscopically. Although scleroderma-like changes were not observed in our experiments, the results suggest that this amine-curing agent for epoxy resin could be one of the causative agents which induced toxic lesions like some collagen diseases including muscle lesions in the workers. In addition, it is considered that the agent may have systemic toxic effects.

Chronic Sialadenitis of the Submandibular Gland (so-called Küttner Tumor)

Two cases of chronic sialadenitis of the submandibular gland (so-called Küttner tumor) are reported. Clinically, they are asymptomatic except for firm swellings which are similar to neoplasms. Light microscopic observations revealed that the lesion is characterized by various degrees of atrophy and/or destruction of acini, infiltration of inflammatory cells, periductal fibrosis and lymph follicle formation. With the electron microscope, a marked increase of collagen fibers are observed throughout the gland parenchyma, and the secretory granules of acinal cells in the remaining acini remarkably decreased in number. We suggest that an autoimmune mechanism may play a role in case 1 and that an ascending infection through the duct system may be a main factor in case 2.

Produetion of Lesions Similar to Naturally Occurring Swine Atrophic Rhinitis by Cell-Free Sonicated Extract of Bordetella bronchiseptica

Seven 6-day-old SPF piglets from one litter were inoculated intranasally with cell-free sonicated extract of Bordetella bronchiseptica four times every day for 64 days. Distilled water-inoculated and non-treated piglets were used as control animals. The cell-free sonicated extract was obtained from B. bronchiseptica strain L3, phase I, which contained a high level of heat-labile toxin. All the piglets were slaughtered for necropsy at 70 days of age. Various degrees of atrophy of the nasal turbinates in the maxillary sections were grossly observed in them. Lesions similar to those of swine atrophic rhinitis were found microscopically: rarefaction of the turbinate bone, degenerative changes of bone cells, proliferation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, thickening of the periosteum, cell infiltration in the lamina pvropria, and hyperplasia of the nasal epithelium. Effects of the extract were also observed in other organs. The results suggest that the heat-labile toxin of B. bronchiseptica may be responsible for the development of atrophic rhinitis in the piglets.

Resection of the spermatic cord in selected inguinal hernias. Twenty years of experience.

During a 20-year period, 112 inguinal hernias were repaired in 109 operations on 101 patients, 34 to 81 years of age, using resection of the spermatic cord as an aid in completely closing the inguinal canal. The hernias chosen for this adjunct were those whose potential recurrence rates have been reported to be as high as 50%, and included 60 recurrent hernias, 27 sliding hernias, 18 large indirect hernias, and 7 direct hernias. Advanced age was not a contraindication. Early postoperatively, there was fever and tenderness and swelling of the testes in two thirds of the cases. One testis was lost owing to wound infection. Thirty-five of the 112 testes showed no noticeable reaction. During a follow-up period of six months or longer, 39 testes showed various degrees of atrophy.